The Scope Podcast
Two perspectives; one sport. Unfiltered conversations about the equestrian world.
Episode 78: It's Not You It's Me--Navigating Horse/Rider Mismatches. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive deep into the sometimes rocky relationships between horses and their riders. They explore what happens when a horse might not be the right fit for a rider or when a trainer makes a less-than-ideal match.
The conversation highlights critical aspects such as:
•Trainer Responsibilities: The obligations of trainers when a horse shows physical limitations or fails to meet the rider’s expectations, including navigating the difficult conversations about potential solutions.
•Adjusting Goals: The importance of flexib...
Episode 77: We Thought You’d Never Ask! Our Picks for the Next USEF CEO. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive back into the ongoing discussions surrounding the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and its leadership challenges. After receiving a surprising phone call from USEF President Tom O’Mara, the duo reflects on their previous conversations about the organization and the reactions they’ve stirred within the equestrian community.
The episode kicks off with a humorous recount of Jen’s initial panic upon the call, leading to a candid dialogue about their opinions on the USEF’s current handling of various...
Episode 76: Reining in the Cost of Horse Shows. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the pressing issue of accessibility in the equestrian world, specifically focusing on making horse shows more affordable. As they unpack a range of solutions, they tackle some controversial ideas that may stir the pot among equestrians.
Episode Highlights:
•Rethinking Prize Money: Jen and Karen propose eliminating prize money in the amateur and junior divisions, arguing that it may not incentivize participation. They suggest redirecting those funds to lower entry fees for all competitors.
•Membership Cost...
Episode 75: Sissy Wickes--A Lesson In Judging Principles from the Principal of Judging. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner revisit their recent judging episode, which sparked a lively debate. Jen receives a text that feels like a summons to the principal’s office, and it turns out to be from their guest, Sissy Wickes. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they dive deep into what they got right and wrong in their previous discussion about judging in equestrian competitions.
Sissy, an accomplished judge and trainer with extensive experience in the equestrian world, brings her expertise to the table. As...
Episode 74: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Judging the Judges. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of equestrian judging with their segment “Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag: Judges Edition.” Drawing on recent discussions surrounding pony finals, the duo explores the complexities and controversies of judging standards, the pressures judges face, and the impact of their decisions on competitors.
They kick off the episode with a light-hearted banter about vocal warm-ups and AI-driven feedback, setting a playful tone before delving into the serious topic of judging. Karen and Jen discuss the publ...
Episode 73: Blowing Rock vs. Big Box--The Heartfelt Charm Of Heritage Horse Shows. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the charm and community spirit of heritage horse shows, specifically focusing on the beloved Blowing Rock Horse Show. Reflecting on their podcast journey, they discuss the growth in their delivery and editing skills over 70 episodes, while also sharing their candid thoughts on some of their earlier encore episodes.
Karen recounts her recent visit to Blowing Rock, a personal favorite, and highlights the unique aspects that set it apart from larger, “big box” shows. The duo explores the intimate feel...
From the Vault: Navigating Performance Anxiety in Equestrian Sports with Dr. Rhea Merck. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker welcome the esteemed Dr. Rhea Merck, a sports psychologist and author, to explore the intricacies of performance anxiety and mental health in the equestrian world. As a veteran of working with student-athletes, Dr. Merck shares her insights on the psychological challenges riders face, especially those stemming from anxiety.
Karen and Jen dive deep into topics like the difference between healthy nervous energy and crippling anxiety, and how that affects both riders and their horses. They discuss techniques for grounding oneself...
From the Vault: What’s so Great About Pony Finals Anyway? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In honor of one of our favorite events of the year, we’re trotting out this classic episode!
In this lively episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner share their thoughts on the excitement and stress surrounding Pony Finals, particularly for parents and young riders.
The duo discusses the pros and cons of the event, offering insights from their own experiences—Jen recounts her time as a spectator and trainer, while Karen reflects on her unique pony-sized perspective. They emphasize the importance of managing expectations, setting real...
Episode 72: Investing in Horses--How to Turn a Large Fortune into a Small Fortune? Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this exciting episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the intriguing world of horse investment. With the backdrop of the World Cup sparking a lively discussion about soccer (or is it football?), the duo transitions into a captivating conversation about the realities of investing in horses.
They explore the differences between purchasing a horse as a genuine investment and acquiring one for personal use with the hope of reselling it for profit. Karen candidly shares her previous reluctance toward horse investments, while Jen offers...
Episode 71: Can the Next USEF Leader Shake off the Social Media Haters? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the complexities of leadership within the equestrian community, focusing particularly on the recent departure of Bill Moroney from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Their lively banter explores the mixed reactions from the membership, examining the challenges leaders face in a social media-driven world.
The conversation touches on:
•The Role of Social Media: Jen and Karen discuss how leaders like Moroney have struggled to adapt to the digital landscape, often leading to disconnects with the very co...
Episode 70: Are Exhibitors Shooting Themselves in the Foot with their Digital Cameras? A Horse Show Photographer Speaks Out. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the fascinating world of horse show photography with special guest Bailey Smith of Bailey Smith Photography. With over a decade of experience, Bailey shares her journey from casually snapping pictures at events to becoming a sought-after professional in the field.
The conversation explores:
•The Evolution of Horse Show Photography: Bailey discusses how the shift to digital photography has impacted the industry, including the challenges posed by smartphone technology.
•Etiquette and Ethics: The trio...
Episode 69: Navigating Disappointment--Our Junior Hunter Finals Experience. Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into an unexpected journey that intertwines a quest for authentic matcha with the rollercoaster experience of Junior Hunter Finals.
The episode kicks off with a lighthearted discussion about Jen’s less-than-stellar social skills, particularly when it comes to navigating an Asian market in search of genuine matcha. As they humorously ponder the geographical identity of Japan, the conversation shifts to Jen’s disappointment over not attending the Junior Hunter Finals for the second consecutive year due to an unfortunate equi...
Episode 68: Training Rides—Essential Tool or Expensive Crutch? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the often misunderstood world of training rides in the equestrian sport. They kick off the conversation with a light-hearted discussion about entertainment choices, touching on everything from Brian Adams to the Magic Mike show, before shifting gears to the essential topic at hand: how training rides can enhance both horse and rider performance.
Karen and Jen explore the various reasons why training rides are beneficial, especially for young riders and horses in need of a refresher...
Episode 67: Outsourcing Equestrian Education—Master Essential Barn Skills with YouTube Wizardry. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of Scope, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the world of equestrian education, exploring essential skills that young riders can learn outside the barn. With a lighthearted banter, they discuss how trainers might benefit from outsourcing certain tasks to the wealth of resources available online.
The episode kicks off by suggesting that some practical horsemanship skills can be mastered through social media and video tutorials. Jen and Karen highlight several areas where trainers often lack the time to provide detailed instruction, including:
•Tack Cleaning: Th...
Episode 66: Amateur Hour—Debunking Myths and Misinformation Surrounding Adult Riders. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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Join Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this week’s hilariously insightful episode of The Scope podcast, where they dive deep into the wonderful world of adult amateurs. They tackle the misconceptions that plague this often misunderstood group, from the wild belief that all adult amateurs are flush with cash to the assumption that they’re just in it for the fashion (though, let’s be honest, looking good while riding is a bonus!).
Expect plenty of laughs as Karen shares her thoughts on Vicks-flavored tissues (trust us, it’s a must-hea...
Episode 65: Under the Influence—Are Equestrian Sports Ready for the Next Social Media Superstar? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner explore the intriguing "Katie Van Slyke Effect," a phenomenon centered around the rising star of equestrian influencer Katie Van Slyke. With over 5 million followers on Tik Tok, and nearly 2 million followers on Instagram and a substantial presence across social media platforms, Katie has captivated audiences with her authentic storytelling and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life as a horse breeder and competitor.
Jen and Karen delve into:
- **Katie’s Unique Brand**: Discover how Katie's relatable persona an...
Episode 64: Sissy Wickes’ Passion is Paving the Road to the Top for the Next Equestrian Superstars. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this episode of **Scope**, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into a compelling conversation with Sissy Wickes, an esteemed USEF judge and lifelong horse trainer. Sissy is the executive director of the nonprofit foundation, **Road to the Top**, dedicated to mentoring young equestrians as they navigate the financial and competitive hurdles of the sport.
The discussion kicks off with an overview of the foundation’s mentorship programs, designed to elevate aspiring riders to the international level through structured support and guidance. Sissy elaborates on the foundation's origins, born from the...
Episode 63: The Shots Heard Round the Horse World—Micheal Barisone and Lauren Kanarek. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union.
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In this gripping episode of The Scope Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive deep into the shocking true crime story surrounding the shooting at Hawthorne Hill, as chronicled in the Netflix documentary. Join Jen and Karen as they explore the tumultuous relationship between renowned dressage trainer Michael Barisone and his client Lauren Kanarek, whose ambition and obsession spiral into chaos.
Through candid discussions, the hosts reveal their personal reactions to the documentary, dissecting the complex dynamics between the characters involved. Michael, a former Olympian, finds himself at the heart...
Episode 62: Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag—Horse Show Edition. Presented By Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the fascinating world of equestrian events through a fun and informative lens. Join them as they explore the nuances of horse shows with their signature segment, "Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag," this time with a special focus on the equestrian experience.
**Highlights include:**
- **Kentucky Derby and Oaks**: The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the iconic races and the quirky misconceptions surrounding them.
- **Weather Woes**: Karen and Je...
Episode 61: Nepotism in the Horse World—How Big of an Advantage Do Trainers’ Kids Have? Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the intriguing topic of "nepoquestrianism," a term they cleverly coin to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in equestrian families. Jen, hailing from a lineage of horse trainers, reflects on her early experiences on a horse farm, while Karen shares her contrasting upbringing with minimal horse exposure.
The conversation explores the perceived benefits of being born into the sport, including access to resources and opportunities. Karen argues that early exposure can foster a deeper...
Episode 60: Derek Braun—The Interview That Disappeared. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the unexpected fallout from their recent interview with Derek Braun, the organizer behind the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals. Initially excited about the opportunity to discuss the event and its challenges, things took a turn when Braun requested the removal of the episode and all related social media clips.
Jen and Karen reflect on the interview's dynamics, including how questions surrounding ticket prices and spectator turnout led to Braun’s discomfort. They discuss their intentions behind the que...
Episode 59: The Spectacle Behind the Success--Derek Braun Discusses the 2026 World Cup Finals. Presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker welcome Derek Braun, the president of Split Rock Jumping Tour and organizer of the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup Finals in Fort Worth. The trio dives into the behind-the-scenes efforts that made this event a standout success, with Derek sharing insights on his team’s meticulous four-year planning process and attention to detail.
Listeners will hear about the seamless execution of the event. Derek emphasizes the importance of creating a perfect environment for both horses and riders, detailing how ev...
Episode 58: Secrets to a Smart Pre Purchase Exam with Dr. Magda Wylie, presented by Founders Federal Credit Union
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In this episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner welcome special guest Dr. Magda Wylie from South Carolina Equine Associates to dive into the intricacies of the pre-purchase exam (PPE) for horses. With Karen’s limited personal experience but a strong medical background as an athletic trainer, the conversation kicks off with a candid discussion about the purpose and importance of the PPE.
Dr. Wylie dispels common misconceptions, emphasizing that pre-purchase exams are not black-and-white pass/fail scenarios but rather comprehensive risk assessments tailored to buyer expectations an...
Episode 57: Challenging the Elite—WEF Controversies and the USEF's Disconnect
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In this episode of *The Scope* Podcast, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the latest scandal rocking Wellington International. The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about weddings, rompers, and family introductions, but quickly transitions to serious topics surrounding the alleged misconduct of the former Wellington International CEO, Murray Kessler.
As they unpack the allegations against Kessler, including claims of employee battery and the subsequent fallout, Jen and Karen emphasize the importance of factual reporting in the equestrian community. They also explore how the U.S. Equestrian Federation (U...
Episode 56: Braider Gate--The Drama Behind the Mane
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Join hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this lively episode of *The Scope Podcast* as they dive into the fascinating and controversial world of braiding in the hunter world. Titled "Braider Gate," this episode unpacks the recent drama surrounding the U.S.E.F. rule mandating horses to have six consecutive hours of rest, creating a stir among braiders and show organizers.
### Key Topics Covered:
- **The Braiding Dilemma**: Explore why braiding has become a hot-button issue this winter at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) and how new r...
Episode 55: Double Trouble—New Drug Rules Hold Owners and Trainers Accountable
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive deep into the world of deviled eggs and the complexities of drug regulations in horse shows. With a mix of humor and expert insight, they kick things off discussing the art of making the perfect deviled egg—those delightful Southern staples that Jen claims she could whip up for dinner any day.
As the conversation shifts from culinary delights to the serious topic of the new USEF drug rule set to take effect on June 1, 2026, the duo un...
Episode 54: Moving Up—Who Calls the Shots When Riders Want to Jump the Gun?
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In this episode of Scope, Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the complexities of advancement in equestrian sports, exploring the fine line between ambition and readiness. With a nostalgic nod to the 80s and 90s, they share personal hair journeys while transitioning into a serious discussion about the pressures trainers feel up allow riders to "move up" in jumping levels.
The hosts dissect the notion of advancement as a status symbol and the potential pitfalls it can create for both riders and trainers. They emphasize the importance of competency over me...
Episode 53: The Price of Passion—Rita Crundwell’s Crime
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In this captivating episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner dive into the wild world of true crime, focusing on the notorious case of Rita Crundwell—responsible for the largest municipal fraud in U.S. history.
Join them as they explore the intricacies of Crundwell’s 20-year embezzlement scheme that siphoned off a staggering $53 million from her hometown of Dixon, Illinois. From her charming demeanor as the town's comptroller to the shocking revelations of her lavish spending on horses, spa visits, and luxury vehicles, Jen and Karen peel...
Episode 52: Equestrian Equality--Do Male and Female Riders Compete on Level Ground?
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**The Scope Podcast**
Join co-hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner for lively discussions that dive deep into the world of sports, especially focusing on the unique dynamics of equestrian athletics. In this episode, they explore the fascinating intersection of gender in sports, the role of sponsorship, and the emotional connections that shape the rider-horse bond.
From the fun of imagining a Flavor Flav-themed party in Vegas to dissecting the importance of representation in equestrian sports, Jen and Karen bring their signature humor and insight to the conversation. They tackle thought-provoking q...
Episode 51: From Show Ring to Stand Up Stage—Comedian Maxi Witrak is the Equestrian Entertainer We All Relate To
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In this episode of **The Scope Podcast**, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner welcome the multi-talented Maxi Witrak, a comedian, actress, fitness trainer, and graduate of Johns Hopkins University, who hails from Los Angeles. Maxi shares her fascinating journey through the equestrian world, detailing her early experiences in various riding disciplines, including Arabian and Morgan shows, fox hunting, and endurance riding.
As the conversation unfolds, Maxi draws parallels between the adrenaline rush of performing in comedy and the pressures of competing in horseback riding. She reflects on her childhood experiences under h...
Episode 50: Coaching Conundrums or Red Flags for Riding Students? 🚩
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Join hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner in this lively episode of "The Scope Podcast,” where they dive into the world of coaching dynamics through the lens of "Red Flag, Green Flag, Pink Flag."
### Key Highlights:
- **Pushing Comfort Zones**: Jen and Karen explore the green flags of a coach who encourages growth while also recognizing the delicate balance needed to avoid overwhelming students.
- **Assessing Progress**: The duo tackles the complexities of progress in training, debating whether lack of improvement is a coach's fault or a matter of indi...
Episode 49: Daniel Geitner is Building a Unified Voice For Professionals with The United States Equestrian Trainers Association
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In this episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner delve into the world of equestrian sports with a special guest, Daniel Geitner, the 2025 USEF National Horseman of the Year and co-founder of the United States Equestrian Trainers Association (USETA).
Join us as we explore the origins of USETA, a groundbreaking organization aimed at giving equestrian trainers a united voice to address their concerns with governing bodies like USEF and USHJA. Daniel shares the story behind the association's inception, sparked by frustrations voiced at horse shows, and discusses i...
Episode 48: From “Emerging” to Mainstream—Increasing The Visibility of NCEA Equestrian
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Join co-hosts Jen Barker and Karen Tanner on this part two episode of *The Scope Podcast* as they dive deep into the evolving landscape of NCEA equestrian sports, particularly focusing on the recent transition of the UC Davis equestrian team to a club sport.
The hosts discuss the controversial replacement of equestrian with stunt as an NCAA Division 1 sport at UC Davis, examining the implications for female athletes and the broader equestrian community. They emphasize the need for solidarity among women’s sports rather than tearing each other down.
Thr...
Episode 47: The UC Davis Shakeup--A Stark Warning for NCEA Equestrian Teams
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In this sure-to-be controversial episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker explore the intricacies of Title IX and its implications for equestrian sports, alongside the recent downgrade of the UC Davis equestrian team from a Division 1 varsity sport to a club sport. With heartfelt sympathy for the affected athletes, they express hopes for the team’s future while emphasizing the need for other Division 1 equestrian teams to recognize this shift as a warning signal.
The conversation delves into the financial challenges facing equestrian programs, specifically when compared to...
Episode 46: Sound Decisions--Navigating The "Extras" in Equestrian Care
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In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope* podcast, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker dive into the nuanced world of equine care, exploring the fine line between effective horsemanship and an overwhelming reliance on excessive services. As trends like massage therapy, cryotherapy, and various supplements gain popularity, the duo questions whether these treatments are truly necessary for every horse.
Karen and Jen tackle the implications of this shift, pondering if the rise of "extra" treatments is creating barriers to entry in equestrian sports, making them less accessible to aspiring riders and...
Episode 45: New Year, New Goals—Five Essential Resolutions for Equestrians
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As we step into the new year, it's the perfect time for equestrians to reflect and set intentions that will elevate their riding experience and horse care practices. In this episode, we delve into five transformative New Year’s resolutions tailored specifically for horse lovers.
1. **Purge, Clean, and Repair Equipment and Tack**: Learn the importance of starting fresh by decluttering your tack room or tack trunk. We’ll discuss how regular maintenance can extend the life of your gear and enhance safety.
2. **Establish an Organizational System**: Discover effective strategies for o...
Episode 44: Redefining Relationships—Is it Possible to be a Student AND a Client?
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In this thought-provoking episode of *The Scope Podcast*, hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker take a closer look at a compelling statement made by their recent guest, Ronny Riemer, the esteemed German riding instructor. Ronny stirred the pot with his assertion that he doesn’t have clients—he has students—and emphasized that his primary concern lies not in the happiness of these individuals, but rather in the care of their horses and his role as an exceptional athletic coach.
As Karen and Jen delve into this provocative viewpoint, they explore the im...
Episode 43: Why The German Riding Instructor Thinks American Equestrianism is All Wrong
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Join cohosts Karen and Jen in this exciting episode as they sit down with Ronny Reimer, known online as The German Riding Instructor. Ronny shares his unique insights into the newly formed United Dressage and Jumping Club (UDJC) and his unofficial title as the “ultra supporter.”
Dive into a rich discussion about how European equestrians cultivate a community-centered atmosphere at horse shows.
Listen in as he describes how, as co-founder of the Local Champions Tour, he’s using the European equestrian model to help make the sport more accessible for Ameri...
Episode 42: Ask Us Anything--But We Can't Promise You'll Like Our Answers
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### Scope Podcast - Listener Q&A
In this engaging episode of the Scope Podcast, hosts Karen and Jen dive into an array of listener questions that cover essential topics in the equestrian world.
- **OTTBs vs. Warmbloods:** Tune in as they discuss the pros and cons of Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds vs. warmbloods.
- **Decline in Horsemanship:** Karen and Jen explore some possible reasons behind the perceived decline in horsemanship skills.
- **Professional vs. Amateur Riders:** The hosts analyze discuss when and why professional riders compete against amateur...
Episode 41: Is AI Smarter Than a Horse Trainer?
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Join hosts Karen Tanner and Jen Barker in this exciting episode of the **Scope Podcast**, where they dive into some of the most common questions Jen receives as a horse trainer.
In this episode:
- **Karen** poses typical inquiries like “How much does a Junior Hunter cost?” and “How do I teach my horse to change leads?”
- **Jen** shares her insights and experiences from the world of equestrian sports, providing practical advice and tips for listeners.
- The duo then turns to ChatGPT for answers to the same...
